Abstract
This paper was first presented as one of four keynote addresses at the 5th National Symposium on Biosafety held in Atlanta, Georgia on January 17–20, 1998 (Richmond, 1998). The Symposium was sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA). The original title of the address “Where are we going?” was selected by the Symposium's planning committee. While contemplation of the future can be an enjoyable intellectual exercise, predictions about the course of science and the corresponding future requirements of biocontainment will yield only uncertain results. Contemporary science has demonstrated that revolutions in science occur with spontaneity. The best recent example is the revolution in the biomedical sciences brought about by recombinant DNA in the 1970s. Scientists cannot predict the next revolution, but they are keenly vigilant to discern its occurrence. Biological safety professionals must be equally prepared to recognize major scientific advancements since the future may require swift changes in the practice of biocontainment as was evident in the recombination DNA revolution. To be prepared, biological safety professionals must establish a continuing and meaningful dialogue with scientists. For this to happen, the biological safety professional must become better informed of current knowledge and strive to gain the trust and respect of the scientific community. Biological safety professionals, as partners in science, can ensure that biocontainment keeps pace with new requirements that will most certainly occur in the future.